Nonprofit empowers Dalit mothers in India through tailoring programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2012

EUGENE, Ore., May 1, 2012 – Less than half (48%) of India’s women are literate, but India Partners is providing hope to the poorest of the poor through tailoring programs. Since 1996, India Partners’ tailoring programs have trained over 500 women, providing them with a source of income and personal dignity.

The need to help poor, unskilled women in India is great. They are often forced to work the least desirable and worst paid jobs in Indian society with their children home alone to fend for themselves.

Veera is one such woman. Married to a husband who wasted their money on alcohol, Veera was worried for her children and often thought of committing suicide. Desperate for help, she went to a nearby church and asked for help.

Veera heard about India Partners’ tailoring program from the pastor of the church and enrolled. During the program, Veera learned valuable sewing skills and successfully completed the tailoring program. Today, Veera is thankful that she is able to provide for her children through a sewing business that she started from her home.

India Partners’ four tailoring programs train women in six months, with students attending sewing classes for six hours a day, six days a week. After completing the program, graduates receive sewing machines donated to India Partners by individuals and foundations, which allow the women to start small sewing businesses from their homes. The cost to provide one sewing machine is $95.

For more information about how you can help women like Veera start a new life through a tailoring program, or to donate, visit www.IndiaPartners.org, or call toll-free 1-877-87-INDIA.

About India Partners:
India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice. India Partners believes in helping the people of India help themselves, regardless of caste, religion, gender or creed. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change.

Press Contact Only: Brent Hample
Tel: 541-683-0696
Email Brent